Creating an inclusive and anti-racist academia - online panel discussion
The last decades have seen a range of work promoting anti-racism, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) more broadly, in academia and society. Nonetheless, systemic inequalities persist and multiple barriers are faced by people of colour, namely in entering, staying, or progressing in academia. There is also a growing recognition that academic work and curricula often remains limited to Western ideas, authors, participants, neglecting much of the rich diversity in human experiences and knowledge systems of other peoples across the world. These two dimensions can reinforce each other, reproducing colonial narratives and practices that marginalise certain people and ideas from knowledge production, resulting in an impoverishing Western understanding of the world, and hindering collective knowledge development. Therefore, we need to continue actively working towards creating an anti-racist academia, one that can be truly open and inclusive of all people and of different ways of understanding and creating knowledge.
This event is taking place during the United Kingdom’s Black History Month, celebrated annually in October to make time to honour the voices and contributions of Black individuals and communities, as well as foster conversations that challenge the cultural narratives and practices that have often excluded and marginalised them and their experiences. While recognising that different European countries vary in how they are grappling with their colonial histories and multicultural dialogue, we take this opportunity to bring these conversations to a European context, as these issues are important to people from all backgrounds. Our identities are multifaceted, and different facets can intersect to further marginalise individuals; we thus need to work together to fight against all types of discrimination and marginalisation.
Come join us and hear our panellists, who will share their perspectives and examples of actions they have been leading. These will range from initiatives at departmental, institutional, national, or international levels, concerning both the academic working environment and the academic work itself. You will gain a better understanding of the issues, what can be done about it, and be inspired and empowered to take action in your own contexts.
